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PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
Jesus, help me be grateful for all the people I know who make me smile! Amen.

Seven Apostles went fishing but caught nothing. Then a man on shore said, "Caught anything to eat? Throw your nets there, and you will." The Apostles caught 153 fish! Then they knew the man was Jesus, alive again. Peter got so excited, he jumped off the boat and swam to Jesus. Jesus cooked breakfast, and they all ate together.

There are some people who make you smile as soon as you see them: a favorite aunt, your closest friend, the bus driver who's always cheerful when you take the bus home. Just knowing you'll be seeing these people immediately makes your mood brighter.

When you really like someone, they don't have to do anything special for you to want to be around them. The only thing that bums you out is when you can't be around them more often.

Naturally, the Apostles felt that way about Jesus, who was a great friend as well as a teacher to them. In this week's Gospel (John 21:1-14), they get to see Jesus again - and Peter has a funny reaction!

Even if you're not a "hugger," you might hug someone you really like. You put extra effort into making or choosing their birthday card; you make silly jokes because you know they like that. Often, that favorite person does the same thing for you in return.

In the Gospel story, Jesus has come back to life at Easter. He must look different, because the Apostles don't recognize Him at first - until He performs a miracle, pointing out where the fish are.

Like anyone who sees a person he loves, Peter is more than a little excited when he realizes the helpful person is Jesus. In fact, he jumps into the water to get to Jesus faster! You can imagine how soaking-wet Peter must have hugged his friend, with both of them laughing.

Then the Apostles just have breakfast with Jesus. But, like a kid with a special person in your life, you know that even a simple time like that can be awesome, when you share it with someone who makes you smile![[In-content Ad]]

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